Rajaee Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Infinite Regress: Definition, Impossibility, and Examples Definition: Infinite regress refers to a sequence of reasoning or causation that extends infinitely without a foundational starting point. It typically arises in epistemology, metaphysics, and theology when an explanation depends on an unending chain of prior explanations. Why It Is Impossible: Infinite regress is often considered problematic for several reasons: Epistemic Justification: If every justification depends on a prior one ad infinitum, no belief can ever be fully justified, leading to skepticism. Causal Explanation: If every cause is preceded by an infinite series of causes, then no effect can ever be realized, contradicting the observed reality of finite causal chains. Logical Absurdity: Some infinite regresses lead to contradictions or paradoxes, such as the impossibility of completing an infinite sequence in a finite amount of time. Introductory Role in Arguments for God's Existence: Infinite regress plays a crucial role in theological arguments for God's existence by demonstrating the necessity of a first, uncaused cause. Classical arguments, such as the cosmological argument, begin by rejecting an infinite regress of causes and instead posit a necessary being (God) to ground all contingent existence. Without this necessary being, the chain of causes would never commence, making existence itself inexplicable. Examples in Theology: The Cosmological Argument: The Kalam Cosmological Argument asserts that the universe had a beginning and, since an infinite regress of causes is impossible, there must be an uncaused first cause—God. Aquinas' Argument from Motion: Thomas Aquinas argued that an infinite regress of movers is impossible; thus, there must be a Prime Mover that itself is unmoved, which he identified as God. Contingency Argument: Leibniz’s argument from contingency holds that if everything contingent depends on something else, an infinite regress of contingent beings is untenable, requiring a necessary being (God) as the ultimate explanation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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